OGX has signed a preliminary strategic cooperation agreement with OSX Brasil for the charter of exploration and production units, related operation and maintenance services, and expected production targets for the short, medium, and long term.

Noble Corp. has awarded Keppel FELS Brasil a $152-million contract to upgrade and repair a third Brazil-based drillship.

Petrobras has signed a letter of intent with SBM Offshore for a 18-year lease and operate contract of the company's existing FPSO Espadarte on the Baleia Azul field, offshore Brazil.

DSV vessels Gulmar Eagle, Adams Arrow, and Boa Rover, which were working in Lake Maracaibo for maintenance of the oil and gas pipelines, have been released by Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) and are now sailing to the US and Panama, according to Gulmar Offshore Middle East.

Ulstein Design has signed six ship design contracts with Brazilian shipowners Companhia Brasileira de Offshore (CBO) and DSND Consub totaling over $69 million.

Petrobras has awarded Solstad Offshore (SOFF) contracts for the PSVs Normand Vibran and Normand Trym.

Noble has awarded Keppel FELS Brasil contracts totaling $304 million to upgrade and repair the drillships Noble Leo Segerius and Noble Roger Eason.

The self-propelled rig Sevan Driller has completed sea trials off the coast of China and has started its voyage to Brazil to begin a six-year contract with Petrobras.

Forum Services has signed a supervision agreement with Etesco Drilling Services for the construction of an ultra-deepwater drillship at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI).

Noble Corp. has awarded Aker Solutions a $14.7-million contract to provide a drilling equipment package, including derrick and pipe-handling components, for three Brazil-based drillships.